ABA celebrates united industry post-IBIE

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ABA celebrates united industry post-IBIE

26 Sep 2025

Maddie Lambert

Maddie Lambert is a copywriter and editor from Joplin, MO. She graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English – literary studies. When she’s not poring over the magazine or lost in the pages of a new novel, you can find Maddie exploring her local bookstores, spending time with her husband, or sharing her latest literary discoveries with fellow book enthusiasts.

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Bakers Association (ABA) recently welcomed the global baking community to the largest event in the Western Hemisphere dedicated to the industry, the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE).

Co-owned by ABA and BEMA, and sponsored by the Retail Bakers of America, this year’s Baking Expo marked its largest show in its 105-year history, bringing together more than 1,000 global exhibitors, a 5% increase in baking company attendance and a 450,000-square-foot show floor. Participants represented 96 countries, with approximately 30% coming from international markets.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how IBIE came together this year,” said Eric Dell, ABA’s president and CEO. “From the world-class education sessions to the innovations on the show floor, it was clear that IBIE continues to be the premier forum for shaping the future of the baking industry. The energy from participants, whether first-time attendees or long-time leaders, was inspiring, and the global connections made will have a lasting impact on commercial baking. The show also reinforced ABA’s role in providing the resources, advocacy, and talent development our members need to thrive. IBIE 2025 truly showcased the strength, creativity, and resilience of our industry.”

IBIEducate also offered attendees access to the largest educational program in IBIE’s history. Participants engaged with 11 ABA-sponsored sessions that addressed the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the industry. From consumer trends and workforce solutions to regulatory updates and biotechnology, IBIEducate equipped attendees with the insights to prepare for long-term growth.

“From the world-class education sessions to the innovations on the show floor, it was clear that IBIE continues to be the premier forum for shaping the future of the baking industry ... the global connections made will have a lasting impact on commercial baking.” — Eric Dell | president and CEO | ABA

NextGenBaker hosted its Global Leadership Forum, bringing together rising executive leaders, ABA’s board of directors, and ABA members for an evening on networking, inspiration and insight. The event opened with a reception, followed by a panel discussion featuring senior executives from Mausac Foods, Bridor North America, Ardent Mills and Crown Bakeries, who shared perspectives on leadership, strategies for organizational excellence and the trends shaping the future of commercial baking.

ABA and RBA also welcomed Major General James W. Lukeman (Ret.), president and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, to IBIE for a special program recognizing the baking industry’s support of the upcoming 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebrations. He delivered a speech honoring the ABA and RBA members who have helped donate cakes across the country for the state events.

“IBIE truly is my Super Bowl, and seeing it all come to life was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Samantha Moore, senior director of events and programming at ABA. “After years of planning, to watch more than 1,000 exhibitors fill the halls with energy, ideas and gratitude was incredibly rewarding.”

For the first time, IBIE attendees experienced the Baking Works booth, a dedicated space focused on building the next-gen workforce by inspiring career exploration in commercial baking. In collaboration with the CAPS Network, the booth not only showcased pathways for students but also educated industry leaders on how they can leverage Baking Works and CAPS as resources to attract and retain employees.

“The show floor buzzed with innovation, our members reconnecting in the ABA/BEMA booth and the sense of community across every segment of the baking industry was powerful,” Moore said. “I am so proud of what we created together with our IBIE Committee and staff partners, and it reaffirmed just how essential IBIE is for the global baking industry.”

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